Why I’m Not Following the 4% Rule (And What I’m Doing Instead)

In the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) world, the 4% rule is treated like gospel. But what if that rule doesn’t fit your life? In this episode, I share why I’m choosing to challenge the conventional wisdom and take a more flexible approach to early retirement.I break down what the 4% rule is, why it was created, and why I’ve decided it doesn’t serve me. From my plans to retire at 41 to my belief in balancing time, energy, and money — this episode dives into how I’m shaping my financial path based on my life, not someone else’s model.Whether you're planning to follow the rule to the letter, tweak it like I do, or throw it out completely, this episode is a reminder that personal finance should be personal. You’ll also hear how I’m building optionality into my life through a low-cost lifestyle, flexible work plans, and keeping an eye on the market.If you’ve ever questioned the “rules” of FIRE, or you’re dreaming of a life with more freedom, less pressure, and a bit of barista work mixed in — this is for you.